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Rear Adm. Tom Druggan is commander of the 8-Division strong Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) HQ. He leads more than 18,000 scientists, engineers, technicians and support personnel located across the United States. A native of Lexington, Kentucky, Druggan is a 1989 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, and previously commanded the Aegis ballistic missile defense […]

Delegations of senior naval officers from Asia and around the world converged on Singapore May 14-16 for the 9th International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference (IMDEX) Asia 2013. The conference and trade expo also featured the presence of 16 warships from nine countries at the Changi Naval Base. Among them was the U.S. Navy’s littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) on its first deployment to the region.

There were a record 61 delegations from 48 countries and 194 exhibitors attending this year’s event.

“The Asian Pacific region is tremendously important to us. Five of our seven defense treaties are out here; six of the top 20 economies are here. So it’s been important to our past, and it’s definitely important to our future.”

– U.S. Navy Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert.

More than a trade show, the event also served as a forum for defense professionals to exchange views and enhance cooperation in the maritime domain.

Singapore’s RSS Tenacious is one of five Formidable-class ships based on the French Lafayette class. These ships are the largest and most capable combatants in the Singaporean navy. Photo courtesy of Capt. Edward Lundquist, U.S. Navy (Ret.)

Singapore Defense Minister Dr. Ng Eng Hen said open dialogue and communication is a key principle for security cooperation in this part of the world.

“Commitment to internationally accepted norms and legal frameworks provide the only viable and peaceful way to build trust and prevent conflicts when differences in views arise. In disputes, all sides should exercise maximum restraint and avoid escalating tensions or precipitating confrontations,” said Dr. Ng.

The French Navy L’Adroit features an integrated bridge and combat information center with 360-degree visibility.

“The Asian Pacific region is tremendously important to us,” said U.S. Navy Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert. “Five of our seven defense treaties are out here; six of the top 20 economies are here. So it’s been important to our past, and it’s definitely important to our future.

Speaking to reporters, Greenert took the opportunity to acknowledge all the U.S. Navy men and women deployed in the region. “I appreciate their willingness to invest in something greater than themselves.”